Andrei Lugovoi, a former KGB operative and prime suspect in the murder of Alexander Litvinenko announced he intends to run for parliament (Duma) as a candidate from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) led by nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky.

“I confirm LDPR leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky's announcement that I have agreed to join the party's electoral list,” Lugovoi was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.

British investigators said Lugovoi is suspected of poisoning former intelligence agent Litvinenko and demanded his extradition. Scotland Yard officials said the businessman administered a fatal dose of polonium-210 to Litvinenko when they met last year in London.

The former KGB agent died on November 23, 2006 in a British hospital, three weeks after meeting with Lugovoi. Investigators found traces of the radioactive isotope at the hotels where Lugovoi stayed after flying to London and at a restaurant where he dinned with Litvinenko, an ardent critic of President Vladimir Putin.

Despite repeated calls from the British authorities, Moscow refused to hand over the suspect, saying Russian laws forbid his extradition. Russian authorities reportedly initiated their own investigation, but London said that is just a smoke cover and Lugovoi won’t be charged with murder in his homeland.

Both Lugovoi and Zhirinovsky denied the allegations and accused Western countries of trying to taint the image of Russian citizens through such campaigns.

The LDPR is expected to confirm Lugovoi’s candidacy on Monday, the millionaire saying he will present his program after the party members give their approval.

Zhirinovsky’s party is expected to easily gather 7 per cent  of the vote and enter the Duma, a fact that would provide immunity for Lugovoi. He can be charged for criminal offences only if parliament members approve a special request from the prosecution.